Massachusetts House Passes Several Pieces of Legislation, Including Epinephrine Access and Blue Envelope Bills
/The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the following bill on May 20, 2026:
H.5444 An Act relative to civil rights and technology
The bill makes it unlawful for a person to manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, possess or operate a robotic device equipped or mounted with a weapon. It also makes it unlawful for a person to use a robotic device to threaten to commit a crime, criminally harass a person, or physically restrain or attempt to physically restrain a person. The bill includes exemptions for law enforcement agencies.
“We have seen the devastation caused by, and proliferation of, drone warfare in the Ukraine and Iran wars,” said Representative Tackey Chan (D-Quincy). “There is no justification for anyone to own such a weapon or weaponize commercially available drones.”
“As a sponsor of legislation aiming to regulate the evolving drone industry, I believe one of our most important duties as legislators is to uphold public safety and implement legal safeguards as technology advances,” said Representative Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “This legislation takes an important step towards protecting Massachusetts residents against the weaponization of technology like robots and unmanned aerial aircraft.”
The bill passed the House of Representatives 155-1 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the following bill on May 20, 2026:
H.5443 An Act relative to increasing access to epinephrine
The bill allows an authorized entity to acquire and maintain a supply of epinephrine autoinjectors from a wholesaler approved by the Department of Public Health (DPH), and allows an employee or agent of an authorized entity who has completed a training program to use epinephrine autoinjectors, on the premises of or in connection with the authorized entity, to provide or administer epinephrine to any individual they believe in is experiencing anaphylaxis.
“Having readily available EpiPens with trained employees in settings like restaurants, universities, and recreation camps will save lives,” said Representative Tackey Chan (D-Quincy). “As a person with food allergies, I am constantly concerned about eating outside the house. While you hope you will never need to use an EpiPen, knowing that it is available provides a measure of comfort and safety.”
“As a sponsor of legislation expanding access to epinephrine for students in our schools, I am proud to support this omnibus bill that will help save lives for those experiencing anaphylaxis,” said Representative Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “In the event of an anaphylactic emergency, having training on how to administer epinephrine injectors and access to lifesaving tools like EpiPens can be the difference between life and death.”
The bill passed the House of Representatives 154-0 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the following bill on May 20, 2026:
H.5441 An Act relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus
The bill requires DPH, in consultation with the perinatal advisory committee, to develop regulations for all hospitals and birthing facilities requiring congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) screening. It also requires DPH to undertake a pilot program for universal cCMV screening to optimize processes for testing, reporting and medical care.
The bill also requires the Commissioner of DPH to establish, promote and maintain a public information program regarding cCMV, and make it available to any health care provider, physician assistant, nurse or midwife who renders prenatal or postnatal care or offers fertility counseling or care to a parent or guardian. A hospital, birthing facility or any health care provider, physician assistant, nurse or midwife who renders prenatal or postnatal care must give expectant or new parents or guardians the information provided by DPH.
“Screening newborns for cCMV is life-saving medical care,” said Representative Tackey Chan (D-Quincy). “It can cause severe and permanent organ damage in babies if not discovered and treated quickly. Parents and medical providers must be aware of cCMV and its consequences so that they can intervene early.”
“Early detection can make a profound difference in a child's future,” said Representative Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “This legislation directs the Department of Public Health to strengthen newborn screening procedures and parent education efforts to help families access timely treatment and support services."
The bill passed the House of Representatives 155-1 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the following bill on May 20, 2026:
S.2903 An Act honoring Blue Star Families
The bill requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to furnish, without charge, distinctive vehicle registration plate or a distinctive motorcycle emblem to a parent, child, spouse, sibling, or grandchild of a law enforcement officer who has been killed in the line of duty.
“The blue shield license plate gives families of law enforcement who gave their lives to keep us safe a way to remember and honor their service,” said Representative Tackey Chan (D-MA).
“We can never fully repay the sacrifice made by those who give their lives in the line of duty,” said Representative Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “I am proud to support this legislation that honors their memory and recognizes the families who carry that loss with them every day."
The bill passed the House of Representatives 156-0 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the following bill on May 20, 2026:
S.2565 An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
The bill requires the RMV to make blue envelopes available, upon request, to any person with autism spectrum disorder or their parent or guardian. It requires State Police, in consultation with the RMV, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts or any other organization that advocates for people with autism spectrum disorder, to design blue envelopes that provide written information and guidance on the outside of the envelope on ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must also include instructions for access to the envelope, including attaching the envelope to the sun visor on the driver’s side of the vehicle, and can hold a person’s license and registration.
“Making blue envelopes more accessible will facilitate better communication between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Representative Tackey Chan (D-Quincy). “Traffic stops can be especially stressful for drivers with autism, and misunderstandings can result in unfortunate consequences. This is an important tool that helps to set clear expectations and make these interactions safer for both officers and drivers.”
“This commonsense legislation promotes safer and more effective communication during traffic stops by providing tools that support individuals with autism, their families, and law enforcement officers alike,” said Representative Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy).
The bill passed the House of Representatives 156-0 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.